In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA’s governing council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition of so-called “reparative therapy” which seeks to change sexual orientation.

No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies. . . .

As I’ve documented previously (most notablyhere), although Courage itself does not attempt to change adult homosexual orientation, its website has a link to the largely discredited U.S.-basedNational Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), a sham organization of “therapists” that teaches that homosexuality is a disorder that is not only chosen, but can be changed through effort and therapy. The Courage website alsolinksto numerous non-Catholic so-called “ex-gay” conservative religious groups — such as, Exodus International, Homosexuals Anonymous, Hope Ministry, International Healing Foundation, JONAH, People Can Change, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (P-FOX), and Straightway.

Given all of this, it’s not surprising (though certainly reprehensible) that Courage is yet to either refute the pseudo-science of reparative therapy that these “ex-gay” groups advocate or actively dissuade its members from pursuing such “therapy.” Here’s hoping that the latest from the APA changes all of that.

5 comments:

The psychologist's report suggested that devout clients could focus on overarching aspects of religion such as hope and forgiveness in order to transcend negative beliefs about homosexuality, and either remain part of their original faith within its limits – for example, by embracing celibacy – or find a faith that welcomes gays.

To this could be added, "or work to change one's church", which is your chosen path. Keep up your good work and pray for my ELCA denomination's upcoming convention in Mpls where lobbying for change may soon bear fruit.

Alleluia! This is indeed good news. Every profession has its quacks...can't do much about that, but the honorable in each profession need to call the quacks out, and this statement does that, in a definitive way.

@Mark: I think the poster you quote is confusing some things. It's no wonder thaqt he's confused.

Yes, gender is a socially-determined choice. We're talking about gender here, not sexual orientation or sex. We're talking about girls playing with dolls, boys playing with trucks, women cooking and cleaning, men hunting and gathering, etc. That's what "gender" is, and of course that's socially determined. I suppose that some would argue that women are pre-disposed to do cooking, for example, but most academics would disagree. In any case, gender is not always straightforward, as biological males may self-indentify as female, etc. But all of this is irrelevant to the news story.

On a more relevant note, I think that "sexual identity" is socially constructed, while sexual orientation is not. Although same-sex attraction (and lack of opposite-sex attraction in some) have existed since the beginning of time, the concept of "homosexuality" has only existed for about 150 years. It's a category or label that has been socially constructed. So, I think that it's possible to change your sexual identity, the label that you identify with, but that doesn't change the underlying attractions, and I dont think there's a contradiction. For more, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_identity

I have to smile at your comment, "Who's going to break this new to the Courage apostolate?" I must tell you that I already have. I e-mailed that article to my friends at Courage. I have had some good talks with some of the people there but am still annoyed that they had NARTH's Dr. Nicolosi at their conference last month. I truly think they need to distance themselves from the NARTH quacks.

I established The Wild Reed in 2006 as a sign of solidarity with all who are dedicated to living lives of integrity – though, in particular, with gay people seeking to be true to both the gift of their sexuality and their Catholic faith. The Wild Reed simply invites people to observe and reflect upon one man’s progressive, gay, Catholic perspective on faith, sexuality, politics, and culture.

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On September 24, 2012,Michael BaylyofCatholics for Marriage Equality MNwas interviewed by Suzanne Linton of Our World Today about same-sex relationships and why Catholics can vote 'no' on the proposed Minnesota anti-marriage equality amendment.

Even though reeds can symbolize frailty, they may also represent the strength found in flexibility. Popular wisdom says that the green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm. Tall green reeds
are associated with water, fertility, abundance, wealth, and rebirth. The sound of a reed pipe
is often considered the voice of a soul
pining for God or a lost love.

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